A tennis racquet is often a player’s most trusted tool, but it also endures the brunt of frustration during intense matches, remaining stoically silent despite being pounded by emotions.
In the 2024 film *Challengers*, Zendaya’s character Tashi Duncan likens a tennis match to a deeply personal relationship.
In an exclusive interview with Tennis Channel’s Steve Weissman, Roger Federer reflects on one of tennis’s most intimate relationships—the bond between a player and their racquet.
Federer recently launched the RF Collection by Wilson, which includes new racquet frames and an accessory line that combines his on-court performance with his personal style.
“It’s a very personal relationship,” Federer says of his Wilson racquets. “I’ve always thought of it as an extension of your arm or hand, so it’s deeply personal.”
However, not every aspect of this relationship is flawless. While the racquet is an essential tool, it often bears the brunt of a player’s frustration, silently enduring the impact of a player’s anger.
“Every tennis player understands this,” Federer explains. “You take care of it, re-grip it, and ensure the strings are properly set before a match. You try not to break it or damage it, but sometimes you get frustrated and blame the racquet, even though you know deep down it’s actually your own fault.”
“Despite the ups and downs, we’ve had a rocky relationship, but I consider it a good friendship overall!”
But if Federer’s racquet could talk, what would it say after witnessing 20 Grand Slam victories, countless broken records, and playing a role in one of the greatest career’s the sport has ever seen?
“I don’t know, I just hope it’d be happy that I picked it up!”
